Kelly Wearstler Loves Miami, And The Feeling Is Mutual

Kelly Wearstler Loves Miami, And The Feeling Is Mutual

If you've been reading Refinery29 for a hot second, you know we love us some Kelly Wearstler. She's got that renaissance women mix that we love, nailing interiors and fashion and somehow making both feel effortless. The L.A. darling's effortlessly cool designs —whether they be home goods or fitted blazers — are the perfect blend of edgy and put-together, and don't get us started on her skinny jeans (can you say to-die-for prints and hues?). Luckily for Miami, the Cali girl has graced us with her presence, and is already making herself at home—she stepped in to lend her expert taste and help revamp the interiors of The Viceroy Hotel. We caught up with her after an appearance at Neiman Marcus in Coral Gables to chat about her new collection, and what inspires this West Coast gal in Miami.

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Your new fall collection has a ton of denim and T-shirts. What was your inspiration for that?
"I'm a California girl, so naturally I gravitate towards color and denim. I felt like I wasn't finding denim that I could dress up and down, so I started playing around with fabrics and colors. I love incorporating hardware and cool signature details into the denim. It's been a really fun process."

How does a Cali chick like yourself take to Miami? What are some of your favorite things to do here?
"I love the vintage shops. I'm always finding unique pieces of clothing and furniture down here because of its proximity to South America. Miami is a hub for so many different cultural influences."

What elements of your aesthetic did you infuse in your project at the Viceroy?
"The Viceroy was about the art of mixing and the unexpected use of color."

Was there anything definitively Miami about your designs? Did you want there to be?
"Miami was a huge influence on the hotel. The color, the 12-foot birds on the hand-painted wallcovering in the lobby, the electric mix of periods in the art, sculpture, and furniture. Miami is not set in any traditions. It's a free spirit city and I am a free spirit designer."

Where are some of your favorite places to stay here?
"I really like The Tides and the Soho House."

What pieces from your new collection will really appeal to Miami? Which ones do you think might be most popular here, and why?
"I love that, in Miami, people like to take risks when they dress. They mix and match unexpected prints and colors. I think the color and prints, the cool washes on the twill, and all the tees will be a big hit down here. And the turquoise jewelry, too!"